Penang cuisine is the cuisine of the multicultural society of Penang, Malaysia. Most of these cuisines are sold at road-side stalls, known as "hawker food". Penang has the reputation as being the "food paradise" in the region as it offers a diverse and exotic mix of Malay, Indian, Chinese and western cuisine, which reflects the multicultural mix of the city. It is popular among locals and tourists alike. Local Penangites mostly find these hawker fares cheaper and easier to eat out at any time of the day due to the hawker stalls all around Penang island. So much so that it was recently voted one of the top food destinations by New York Times readers. On February 22, 2013, Penang was ranked by CNN Travel as one of the top ten street food cities in Asia.

Locally known as “hawker food” because it was traditionally prepared and sold by vendors who roamed the streets shouting out their wares, there is a huge variety from noodles to rice originated by the different races which make up Penang’s rich culture. However, we have more than that: we have both street food and home-cooked food, all equally popular with young and old, locals and visitors alike.

One of the food is Penang laksa also known as asam laksa from the Malay for tamarind, comes from the Malaysian island of Penang. It is made with mackerel soup and its main distinguishing feature is the asam or tamarind which gives the soup a sour taste. The fish is poached and then flaked. Other ingredients that give Penang laksa its distinctive flavor include lemongrass, galangal(lengkuas) and chili. Typical garnishes include mint leaves, pineapple slices, thinly sliced onion and a thick sweet prawn paste.

Another food is Penang crispy popiah. Penang crispy popiah is Teochew style spring roll with a filling which consists of turnip, beancurd, egg bits, and a dash of chili paste and sweet sauce. Once you bite u can feel the aroma of beancurd, the unique of the special sauce and the crispy bite of popiah. Nowadays, you can found the Penang crispy popiah at everywhere even though insie shopping mall.

Last but not least, Penang white curry noodle also well know among the world. This popular Penang dish consists of egg noodles in coconut-based curry soup and you can add sambal or chili paste as much as you can based on your spicy level. The main ingredients for most versions of curry mee include bean curd puffs, bean sprouts, cuttlefish, shrimp and cockles. The sambal is the most important to Penang white curry noodle. The main ingredient of sambal or chili paste is good quality balacan(fermented shrimp paste), chili oil and chili paste. Penang still has various types of snacks, main dishes, desserts and beverages. If you have chance you must have a trip to Penang to try all the original Penang food. You will not regret after you taste it.